THIS IS OUR MOMENT

Let’s Build a Home for Conservation

Together, we can create a lasting home with conservation at its heart, a welcoming place where volunteers, residents, and future generations gather to learn, connect, and protect the islands we love. A place where nature, neighbors, and the future of our islands come together.

What we do today will strengthen conservation for generations to come.

donations
Capital Fund Donation Monthly Pledge Legacy Bricks Scarpa’s Experience

If the building is not acquired, all donations to this campaign will be refunded.

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You Believed Before

When we tried to buy the firehouse, island residents responded with remarkable generosity and enthusiasm. But we were ultimately outbid.

This time is different. The property is under contract, inspections are underway, and our 90-day due diligence period has already begun.

The clock is running. Will you stand with us again?

the old firehouse

See The Possibility

Located at 130 Gasparilla Way, this historic property was built by Bob Butcher, whose legacy already lives within its walls. The building includes a 24×24′ main room, a small upstairs room, and several additional rooms downstairs.

  • Built Solid. Nothing Hidden.

    Open construction makes it easy to inspect, understand, and maintain.

  • New Metal Roof

    Installed in spring 2026.

  • Mini-split Efficiently

    Year-round comfort without the cost or complexity of a central air system.

TodayOur Vision
Leaf Leaf

With the help of volunteers, native plants, and simple improvements, the property has the potential to quickly become a welcoming space for conservation and community activities. This image is a conceptual rendering for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a final architectural, engineering, landscaping, construction, or site plan.

  • Expanding Our Capacity to Protect What Matters

    Imagine a permanent home where conservation comes to life. A place for environmental education, citizen science, native habitat demonstrations, and community collaboration. Slide through these images to see how a Conservancy Center can expand our mission and inspire the next generation of island stewards.

    Conceptual Illustration - Conservancy Center

  • Bring Conservation Home

    Explore practical ideas that help protect water quality, support wildlife, and create beautiful native landscapes that make a difference right in your own backyard.

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  • A Sustainable Future for Conservation

    One reliable place for fundraising events, educational programs, community gatherings, and partnerships that generate the resources needed to protect our islands for generations to come.

    fundraising

  • A Living Classroom

    Hands-on environmental education where native habitats become the classroom and every program inspires conservation action.

    outdoor classes

  • A Community Garden & Wildlife Habitat

    A living demonstration landscape where native plants, pollinator gardens, wildlife habitat, and edible gardens inspire residents to create healthier, more resilient island landscapes.

    demo gardens

  • A Flexible Meeting Space

    A comfortable, climate-controlled space where island organizations and community groups can meet and collaborate year-round.

    meeting space

  • Strengthening Our Community

    A permanent gathering place where volunteers, partners, educators, and residents collaborate on conservation projects, celebrate successes, and build a stronger future for our islands.

    events
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Expanding Our Capacity to Protect What Matters

Imagine a permanent home where conservation comes to life. A place for environmental education, citizen science, native habitat demonstrations, and community collaboration. Slide through these images to see how a Conservancy Center can expand our mission and inspire the next generation of island stewards.

Conceptual Illustration - Conservancy Center

Why A Permanent Space Matters?

A center can help:

  • Increase community engagement
  • Expand educational programming
  • Support citizen science initiatives
  • Attract larger grants and partnerships
  • Generate sustainable revenue
  • Create a visible conservation presence
  • Accelerate future land acquisition
  • Establish a lasting legacy of stewardship

How It Works Today

  • Events in private homes or vacant lots
  • Weather-dependent scheduling
  • Supplies stored across garages and sheds
  • Temporary tents, seating, power, and equipment
  • Repeated transportation, setup, and breakdown

How It Could Work

  • Organized storage and program resources
  • A consistent place for educational lectures and workshops
  • A welcoming environment for collaboration, planning, and community engagement
  • Building the Capacity to Expand Proven Conservation Programs
  • Permanent educational materials and displays

The goal is not to own a building.

The goal is to create a a place where our community learns, connects, and protects the islands together.

How Does This Grow Our Mission?

Protect More Land

New funding sources would expand our capacity to preserve habitat, care for protected properties, and act when important island land becomes available.

Feather Feather

Expand Programs

More opportunities for lectures, hands-on learning, visiting experts, community programs, and conservation education throughout the year.

Users Users

Strengthen Our Community

A visible, year-round presence would deepen community engagement, preserve local knowledge, and help future generations stay connected to the islands they call home.

Capital Fund Donation Monthly Pledge

MORE THAN A BUILDING

Transforming How the Conservancy Is Funded

Island residents have made our conservation work possible. A permanent center could build on that support by opening doors to grants, partnerships, and educational funding that are largely out of reach today.

That could include small, carefully planned programs for researchers, educators, and students, as well as opportunities for children in foster care and underserved communities to experience the islands and learn about nature.

This Center Could Quickly Open New Sources of Funding.

Over time, that broader support could help protect more land without relying on the same island households for every opportunity.

Leaf Leaf

Foundation and Environmental Grants

Support for conservation, habitat restoration, water quality, and demonstration projects.

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Research and University Partnerships

Collaborations with scientists, universities, researchers, and students.

Book Book

Program and Education Funding

Funding for lectures, workshops, exhibits, field learning, and hands-on programs.

Suitcase Suitcase

Institiutional Sponsorships

Support for specific programs, research, education, and conservation projects.

A Clear Path Forward

Phase 1: Raise the Initial Capital

The property is under a 90-day contract, and the $25,000 deposit is fully funded. Our immediate goal is to raise $150,000 or more upfront, reducing the amount that must be financed through private lenders.

* This is a sample funding model. 

Capital Fund Donation
Get a Legacy Brick
Scarpa’s Experience

Phase 2: Founding Stewards Campaign

Imagine what we can accomplish together. If just 65 Founding Stewards committed to giving $100 a month for four years, together we could pay off the Conservancy Center loan and ensure more of every future donation goes directly toward conservation, education, and protecting our islands.

capital

This is only one example. In reality, monthly giving could range from $50 to $250 or more, allowing every household to participate at a level that feels comfortable and meaningful.

These monthly pledges are intended to help pay off the building after the initial capital campaign. If we raise more during the initial capital fund round, we may be able to shorten the repayment timeline.

We are also in the process of creating ways to recognize and honor our Capital Donors and Founding Stewards for helping make the building possible. We are currently exploring brick and wall recognition options and will announce those details soon.

  • At the end of the pledge term, monthly donors will have the option to opt out or continue their donations, based on their preference.
Monthly Pledge

$119,600+ has already been raised

Every gift reduces the amount that must be financed and puts us in a stronger long-term position.

Make a Donation

One Time Costs

The building is currently occupied and fully functional. Inspections are underway, and we will share updates as the results become available. The only potential issue identified so far is that the stairs may need to be reinforced or replaced, and we are obtaining a quote for that work.

Manageable Annual Costs

We have carefully estimated the ongoing cost of owning and operating the property, including insurance, taxes, electricity, water, routine maintenance, and contributions to a capital reserve, at approximately $685 per month, or $8,210 per year.

building costs

OPEN FINANCIAL INFORMATION

See How the Conservancy Uses Its Resources

As an all-volunteer organization, the Conservancy carefully directs its resources toward protecting and caring for island properties, supporting educational programs, and maintaining the basic operations that make this work possible.

Our projected 2026 expenses combine spending to date with anticipated costs for the remainder of the year. The largest share supports conserved properties, including acquisition costs, mortgages, taxes, maintenance, restoration, and improvements.

Download the 2026 Financial Snapshot Down-circled Down-circled

Projected 2026 Expenses

projected 2026 expenses

~75% of our expenses go toward our properties.

Let’s Bring This Vision Home

Imagine a place where neighbors gather, experts share knowledge, and every program helps protect the islands we call home.

A gift to the initial capital campaign will help secure the property, expand programs for our community, welcome new partners, and open new sources of support for conservation across the islands.

Every donation moves us closer.

Capital Fund Donation Monthly Pledge RSVP July 1
community garden boxes

Tour the Property

We plan to host scheduled community walkthroughs so island residents can see the building, ask questions, and better understand how the property could serve the community. Because someone currently lives at the property, please do not visit or enter the property outside announced walkthrough times.

Sign Up for Updates

Globe Globe “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

—Conservationist Robert Swan

The future of our islands depends on all of us. Together, we can create a permanent home for conservation, education, and community. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit the natural beauty, wildlife, and sense of place that make these islands so special. We invite you to join us in making this vision a reality.

Don’t wait. Make a Donation Today.

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Be the first to learn about our Island Living lecture series and exciting fundraisers, where we unite to support preservation and environmental education! Stay informed about our upcoming clean-up events and hands-on demonstrations in our parks, like creating oyster strings that benefit our beautiful shores!

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Bocilla Islands Conservancy Overview
Bocilla Islands Conservancy is a public, nonprofit, non-political organization working in partnership with the residents of the Bocilla Islands chain, including Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. Our mission is to preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands Chain while fostering community engagement and environmental education to ensure a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents. The Conservancy can customize conservation easements through land acquisition, ensuring sensitive habitats are preserved and protected to maintain the ecological balance of the islands.

Disclaimer:
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and opinions of Bocilla Islands Conservancy members. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Bocilla Islands Conservancy assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the information provided. Visitors are encouraged to consult qualified professionals regarding any concerns or decisions. By using this site, you agree that Bocilla Islands Conservancy and its contributors shall not be held liable for any actions taken based on the information presented here.